Thoughts to be taken away from the Havant game

[ARLukomski]

It was quite an eventful cup tie and one Notts made hard work of. 

Havant, to their credit, pressed us well and had good energy levels despite not playing for a while.

Notts got it down the wings quite a few times in the first half and it was our best opportunity of opening Havant up. It worked for the first goal and we got in numerous times down both flanks but they came to nothing. Chicksen could've had two before half time. His 2nd effort really should have ended in a goal. Poor connection with the ball after taking a touch and then trying to lob the keeper after a good ball from Lacey. Miller should've also scored when he was in acres of space and somehow took about 250 years to shoot.

I didn't think Jim O'Brien had a good game. Lost the ball too much and when there was space to go into, he passed backwards. Matty Wolfe's runs from deep helped us and that's what one of the centre midfielders (whoever starts) should be doing more. Jimmy Knowles put himself about and his run contributed to the first goal and then he scored the penalty to equalise. The back four had a difficult time. Lacey and Turner, in my opinion, looked uncomfortable on occasions and Turner had a difficult time with Tommy Wright. Didn't help that no Notts players bothered tackling any Havant player in the second half and were happy to let them run forward with the ball. 

Rodrigues was good when he came on and got Notts on the front foot again, bringing the ball forward and drawing fouls. The second of them free-kicks won us the penalty. However he does need to learn how to shoot in the 18 yard box and not dribble past everyone. Nothing much to say on Jordan Barnett as he had a quiet game. Looks like he's got a decent left foot on him. 

Luke Pilling 

[Piethagoram]

Agree with @ARLukomskianalysis . What is frustrating, a similar accusation can be leveled at our first team, that without Cal Roberts, we are reluctant to shoot for goal on free kicks around the edge of the area. 

Rodrigues does need to be taken aside for additional "shooting practice" coaching. If he had that in the locker, he would be playing in the Championship. I was worried when he stepped up to take a penalty, but he kept a cool head to bury a pressure kick

Chicksen did himself no favours despite being in the "shop window"

Turner was particularly fortunate not to give away a penalty. Also he was guilty of some aimless long balls, when the obvious strategy is to play out from the back.

Credit to Luke Pilling for the penalty saves. JOB less so, for that penalty miss

[liampie]

good read @ARLukomski, would welcome seeing posts like this from time to time in the future because your analysis is very insightful.